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A Study on Music Therapy Procedure for Alzheimer's Patients

Music therapy has been shown to produce reduced responses to stress in the cardiovascular and endocrine systems, as well as decreased levels of anxiety (Bolwerk, 1990).

Music As Therapy for Alzheimer's Patients

Gerdner and Swanson (1993) studied the effects of individualized music on five confused and agitated elderly long-term care patients. They concluded from the results of their study that individualized music is a potential alternative approach to the management of agitation in confused elderly patients.

Aldridge (1994) found that the quality of life of Alzheimer's patients is significantly improved through the application of music therapy. The study found further that music therapy, when based on clear treatment objectives, can reduce the need for pharmacological therapy and enhance the attainment of rehabilitation goals.

Casby and Holm (1994) studied the effects of classical and favorite music on three vocally disruptive elderly dementia patients in a long-term care facility. The study concluded that music therapy was an effective method of decreasing vocal disruptions without resorting to physically restrictive methods.

One research question will be investigated in the proposed study. This question is as follows: What effect does music therapy have on Alzheimer's patients with respect to (1) anxiety levels, (2) disruptive behavior, and (3) violent behavior. Three hypotheses will be tested in relation to this research question. These hypotheses are as follows:

1. Subjects receiving music therapy will exhibit lower levels of anxiety in the two hours following the end of the therapy than they exhibited in the two hours preceding the therapy.

2. Subjects receiving music therapy will exhibit fewer episodes of disruptive behavior in the two hours following the end of the therapy than they exhibited in the two hours preceding the therapy.